Rare Old Map of Newcastle by Tallis, 1851: Railway Bridge, Central Station, Castle, Tyne River

Discover the enchanting allure of "Newcastle on Tyne," an exquisite city map crafted by the renowned John Tallis in 1851. This map captures the essence of Newcastle during the mid-19th century, a time when the city was a burgeoning hub of industry and innovation. Tallis, celebrated as one of the last great decorative mapmakers, imbues this piece with his signature style, featuring intricate vignettes that bring the city’s vibrant streets and architecture to life. Each detail tells a story of Newcastle's transformation during the Industrial Revolution, making it a captivating artifact for any history enthusiast.

The map offers a detailed view of Newcastle’s urban landscape, highlighting significant neighborhoods and landmarks that defined the city’s character. The depiction of the Tyne River, weaving through the city, underscores its historical importance as a vital artery for trade and industry. The inclusion of roads, buildings, and railway stations paints a vivid picture of the city’s infrastructural evolution, offering a glimpse into the past when Newcastle was at the forefront of coal mining, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.

Tallis’s artistic flair is evident in the elaborate illustrations of iconic landmarks such as the Railway Bridge, Central Station, and the Castle. These vignettes not only enhance the map’s aesthetic appeal but also serve as historical snapshots of the city’s architectural marvels. The Grey Monument and High-Level Bridge are particularly noteworthy, symbolizing the city’s progress and resilience during a period of rapid urbanization and growth.

The map’s design is a testament to Tallis’s ability to blend cartographic precision with artistic elegance. His use of full-color representation and distinctive architectural details adds depth and narrative to the cityscape. The map is not just a navigational tool but a piece of art that invites viewers to explore Newcastle’s rich history and cultural heritage. It stands as a remarkable example of Tallis’s legacy, capturing the spirit of a city in transition.

Owning this map is like holding a piece of history in your hands. It offers a unique perspective on Newcastle’s past, providing insight into the city’s development and the forces that shaped its identity. Whether you are a collector of historical maps or simply an admirer of fine art, "Newcastle on Tyne" by John Tallis is a timeless treasure that will enrich any collection.

Streets and roads on this map

• Akenside Hill
• Barras Bridge
• Blackett Street
• Clayton Street
• Collingwood Street
• Dean Street
• Forth Street
• Grainger Street
• Grey Street
• High Bridge
• Market Street
• Mosley Street
• Neville Street
• Northumberland Street
• Pilgrim Street
• Quayside
• Sandhill
• Side
• St. Nicholas Street
• Westgate Road

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Railway Bridge
• Central Station
• The Castle
• Grey Monument
• High-Level Bridge

Historical and design context

• Created by John Tallis in 1851, a renowned decorative mapmaker.
• Depicts Newcastle on Tyne during the Industrial Revolution.
• Highlights the city's growth in coal mining, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.
• Features intricate vignettes and full-color representation.
• Reflects Newcastle's infrastructural development and urbanization.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.